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Gareth Southgate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage match between England and the USA
Gareth Southgate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage match between England and the USA | (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Football | World Cup 2022 | England lacklustre in 0-0 draw with USA

Robert Wheeler
Football

By Robert Wheeler

  • England draw 0-0 with the United States
  • The Three Lions remain top of Group B
  • Gareth Southgate’s side faces Wales on Tuesday

QATAR – England performed poorly against the USA but managed to hold out for a draw which keeps them top of Group B. 

 

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It was the day after Thanksgiving in the USA and they put in a great performance against an England side which played well below their standards. A 0-0 draw was flattering for the Three Lions and they must improve if they are to reach the latter stages of the competition.

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After putting six past Iran in their last game, England was surprisingly off the pace. The USA controlled the first half with the best chance coming to Weston McKennie, whilst Christian Pulisic hit the crossbar. But the Three Lions ended the half well, creating chances for Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount. 

After the break, the USMNT continued to be on top so England had to make changes with Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson being introduced. Grealish made an instant impact by running at players and drawing fouls to win free kicks.

Marcus Rashford came on for Saka with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining but Phil Foden was astonishingly left on the bench.

Harry Kane had a late chance but he headed wide from a Luke Shaw free kick. It was to be the last chance of the game which finished goalless. Boos rang around the stadium at the full-time whistle which reflected the drab performance but at least they did not lose. They also kept a clean sheet which is massive for players short on game time like Harry Maguire who has performed like a different man from the one who has not featured much for Manchester United this season.

It was the fifth 0-0 draw of the tournament so far and England is still yet to beat the USMNT at a World Cup after losing to them in 1950 and drawing 1-1 in 2010.

The Three Lions had a slip-up at Euro 2020 when they drew with Scotland in the group stage and went on to get to the final so England fans should not be too disheartened despite the poor performance.

Speaking to ITV after the game, Kane was realistic about where the team are at, “After our first performance, people thought we were going to landslide every team we play but that’s not the case.”

We cannot expect England to smash six goals past each opposition and there is still a long way to go in the competition.

Gareth Southgate‘s side still tops the group with four points and will be through to the knockout stages but only if they do not lose by four or more goals to Wales next week. England beat the Dragons 2-1 when they last met at a major tournament in Euro 2016 so the Welsh will be looking for revenge.

The Three Lions are up against a deflated Wales after their defeat to Iran in their final game of the group next Tuesday, November 29th, with kick-off at 7 pm.